Crowned African champion with Senegal at AFCON 2025, Pape Thiaw is set to receive a lucrative contract extension, along with a salary increase. The architect of the Lions of Teranga’s second continental title in four years, the 44-year-old coach will be rewarded for his crucial role in the national team’s success.
Senegal Wants to Boost Its Coach
Already awarded a bonus of 50 million FCFA (around 76,225 euros) and a plot of land in a sought-after area of Petite Côte, Pape Thiaw is preparing to sign a new contract with a substantial salary increase.
This was confirmed by Sports Minister Khady Diene Gaye on Thursday morning during a press conference. More than just a reward, this increase aims to provide the coach with optimal conditions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, set for June-July in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Is there a possibility of a salary increase for the coach? Yes, I can confirm that here. He has met his objectives by qualifying the team for the World Cup and winning AFCON. You don’t change a winning team, right? So we will continue with him. (…) We will review the initial contract, which included a clause not only to reach the AFCON final but to win the cup. As we aspire to be the first African country to win the World Cup, it is essential to place our coach in optimal conditions, so he can work peacefully, without financial worries or daily constraints,” the minister explained, with humor and clarity.
A Salary Like Aliou Cissé for Pape Thiaw?
With his contract ending next February, Pape Thiaw could see his earnings rise significantly. According to Wiwsport, the former Senegal striker could earn up to 46,000 euros per month, matching the salary level of his predecessor Aliou Cissé when he was dismissed in October 2024.
Currently, the coach earns around 20,000 euros monthly. With this increase, he would rank among the highest-paid coaches at AFCON 2025, surpassing Gernot Rohr (Benin), Hossam Hassan (Egypt), and Sébastien Desabre (DR Congo), reaching the same level as Éric Chelle, his counterpart in charge of Nigeria.
